The rules for using roundabouts

Give way: the most important rule – when entering a roundabout, give way to traffic on the roundabout, unless road markings or signs say otherwise. If the way is clear keep moving. Stopping at a clear roundabout slows traffic and can cause frustrating delays.

A roundabout entrance is usually marked by a single broken line across the road. Sometimes you may find other markings.

At some roundabouts one traffic lane might be allowed to flow free; there will be road markings or signs to show this.

Speed: approach so that you can stop and give way if necessary.

Approaching too fast could make other drivers on the roundabout think that you are going to drive in front of them. They could brake or swerve and perhaps cause a collision.

If you approach too fast and brake hard at a roundabout entrance you could also cause a collision by panicking a following driver who might skid into the back of your vehicle.

On the roundabout, you should drive according to road, weather and traffic conditions as well as the road-holding qualities of your vehicle.

Position and signals: Being correctly positioned and signalling clearly in good time helps other road users. Knowing and following the rules improves traffic flow and safety at roundabouts.

While this appendix provides general advice, other factors such as signs, road markings and the position and type of other vehicles can influence the choice of lane.

Where there are signs or road markings which indicate appropriate lanes, these should assume priority over the following procedures.

Correct roundabout procedure

Imagine that you are approaching a busy roundabout with six converging roads. Follow the advice in the diagrams and:

treat the roundabout as if it were a clock face

all movement on roundabouts is clockwise

always assume that your approach is from the six o’clock position

approach at the correct speed and in the right gear

always signal your intentions clearly

if there is no traffic at or on the roundabout you may take the shortest and most convenient route through it

cancel your signal after leaving the roundabout

Now that you know the rules, show a good example to other drivers by following them every time. They may even copy your driving style and do it right too!

1. Taking the first exit (b) at 8 o’clock

Approach

Left lane

Signal

All-round observation and left-turn indicator on approach

On roundabout

Keep in left lane

Exit

Check mirrors before leaving roundabout and keep left-turn indicator going until just after leaving roundabout

2. Taking the second exit (c) at 10 o’clock

Approach

Left lane

Signal

All-round observation; no approach signal

On roundabout

Keep in left lane

Exit

Check mirrors and indicate left when you have passed exit (b) before the one you want to take (c)

3. Taking the third exit (d) at 12 o’clock

Approach

Left lane

Signal

No approach signal

On roundabout

Keep in left lane (use right lane if approach was in right lane)

Exit

Check mirrors and indicate left when you have passed exit (c) before the one you want to take (d)

4. Taking the fourth exit (e) at 2 o’clock

Approach

Right lane

Signal

All-round observation and indicate right on approach

On roundabout

Keep in right lane near centre of roundabout; keep right-turn indicator going

Exit

Check mirrors and change to left-turn indicator when you have passed exit (d) before the one you want to take (e). Check mirrors, glance over left shoulder and ease into left lane for exit (e)

5. Taking the fifth exit (f) at 4 o’clock

Approach

Right lane

Signal

All-round observation and indicate right on approach

On roundabout

Keep in right lane near centre of roundabout; keep right-turn indicator going

Exit

Check mirrors and change to left-turn indicator when you have passed exit (e) before the one you want to take (f). Check mirrors, glance over left shoulder and ease into left lane for exit (f)